Over six million Americans have had LASIK surgery to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and/or astigmatic vision since the year 2000, making LASIK one of the most popular elective surgeries in the country.
LASIK stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomeluesis, and uses the cool beam of the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. To begin the LASIK procedure, a few anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye. Next, an eyelid holder is used to gently hold the eyelids open during the procedure which keeps you from blinking. Then, a device called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap (usually 130-160 microns) containing the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. During the flap creation you may feel a little pressure and your vision will fade out for approximately 15 seconds.
After the flap is made, you will be instructed to stare at a blinking light, while Dr. Patel engages the cool beam laser (in most cases between 30-45 seconds). Dr. Patel will continue by repositioning the flap and administering antibiotic and steroid drops before the lid holder is removed (you will continue with those drops four times a day for seven days). You will be able to sit up and see better than prior to surgery, but vision will be moderately hazy. The haziness dissipates hourly, and by the next morning, you will be amazed at how well you can see.
Long-term Effects of LASIK LASIK has been around since 1991 and laser vision correction was first performed in 1987. We have 20 years of information that shows no decline in the stability or integrity of the cornea over that period of time. Infact, reshaping the cornea with less advanced devices has been around for over 50 years! Given this evidence, one can conclude that there are no major long-term side effects from LASIK procedures performed on good candidates.
LASIK SECRET # 3
The cool beam of the excimer laser reshapes the cornea in just a matter of seconds, creating vision good enough for most people to drive the very next day! With the newer technology present today, permanent glare issues from LASIK have virtually been eliminated.
